Dear community groups,

I know it may seem like the Local Board is forever asking for feedback but this is all part of the legislative process and next to elections, it’s the most important thing that is decided for our communities every three years.

This strategic document sets out the objectives for the Rodney Local Board over the next three years. In a nutshell, if it is not in the plan, it will not get done.

Below are some of the initiatives from the draft Local Board Plan that will benefit the Warkworth area. These have been worked up from ideas that the community has put forward over recent years and which some of us campaigned on and said we would deliver if we were elected. Therefore it would be great to get your feedback, especially if you are supportive, on these:

• Advocate strongly for better road maintenance and spend of the unsealed road budget
• Safer pedestrian environments especially in our smaller but busy villages like Point Wells, Puhoi, and Whangateau
• Improve public transport with additional stops and appropriate routes and frequencies
• Improve pedestrian safety by constructing footpaths and pedestrian crossings especially around schools
• Support the implementation of trails, walkways and bridle paths
• Advocate to improve storm water and wastewater infrastructure
• Improve water quality in our catchments
• Improve local biodiversity through supporting pest plant and pest animal management
• Better waste minimisation and resource recovery
• Develop a Centre Plan for Warkworth
• Town and village centre upgrades to support economic activity
• Identify opportunities for growth funded projects (from Development Contributions) as we grow
• Support the delivery of a multi-sport facility at the Warkworth Showgrounds
• Support communities to deliver community projects and events
• Greater attention to Emergency Management support and building community resilience (droughts/weather events/pandemics)
• Continue to support volunteers working in our parks on restoration projects, pest and weed control.

I have paraphrased so do please go and read the plan. These are just SOME of the proposals and not all of them may make it into the final plan, particularly if they are not supported or another priority emerges from the feedback as needing more of our resources.

You can find out more and provide feedback using this link. Feedback closes on 13 August. Hard copies of the plan are also available at the library and the Orewa Council building. You can also present to us at a hearing-style event on 22 August in Orewa from 6 pm (please book via rodneylocalboard@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz).

Thanks for that, Beth